emotionally satisfied with things as they are." Today it is rare that
we find anyone who is truly content with his or her condition in life.
The Bible has a great deal to say about contentment—being satisfied
with what we have, who we are, and where we're going. Jesus said,
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat
or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more
important than food, and the body more important than clothes?"
(Matthew 6:25).
In essence, Jesus is telling us to be content with what we have.
Moreover, He has given us a direct command not to worry about the
things of this world. Then He adds, "For the pagans run after all
these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But
seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things
will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:32-33). From Jesus' words, we
can deduce that lack of contentment is sin and it puts us in the same
category as those who do not know God.
The apostle Paul was a man who suffered and went without the comforts
of life more than most people could ever imagine (2 Corinthians
11:23-28). Yet he knew the secret of contentment: "I know what it is
to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned
the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well
fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do
everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:12-13).
The writer to the Hebrews adds, "Let your conduct be without
covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself
has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly
say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
(Hebrews 13:5-6). Yet people continue to seek after more of the things
of this world, never contented with their lot in life. The bumper
sticker that reads "He with the most toys wins!" epitomizes the
world's cravings for more and more.
The latest global statistic shows that if one has a roof over his head
and a meal on his table he is richer than 93 percent of the world's
population. If a person wears a pair of shoes he is richer than 75
percent of the people in the world. Solomon, the wisest and richest
man who ever lived, said, "Whoever loves money never has money enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is
meaningless" (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
"Be content with such things as you have" means as believers such
should be our trust and confidence in God that we should be satisfied
with our condition regardless of our circumstances. For we know
assuredly that if we are faithful God will cause all things to work
together for our good (Romans 8:28).
To worry means we do not trust God. The key to overcoming our
discontentment and lack of faith is to find out who God really is and
how He has been faithful to supply the needs of His people in the
past. Such study will grow one's confidence and trust for the future.
The apostle Peter said it succinctly: "Humble yourselves, therefore,
under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all
your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:6-7).
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